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From galleries and landmarks to markets and parks, there's a whole host of activities that won't cost a thing. These are the things to do in the capital for those looking to save the pennies.
National Gallery
It’s worth battling past the floating Yodas to get to the crown jewel of Trafalgar Square; the National Gallery. The formidable building sits resplendently behind the Fourth Plinth - always a talking point for art lovers - and contains some of the most famous paintings in the world. Here you’ll find works by Caravaggio, Rembrandt, Vermeer, Turner, Botticelli, and Van Gogh - and you won’t be charged a penny to enjoy them.
Imperial War Museum
The draw of the Imperial War Museum is its overwhelming sense of truth; this is not a place that glorifies or celebrates war, it simply documents it. Conflicts since 1914 are covered – there’s a Spitfire, a 14-meter high V2 rocket bombs, a harrowing (and award-winning) Holocaust exhibition. Modern-day causes of conflict are included too, with various looks at the way, for instance, 9/11 has shaped the present world. The IWM is an impressive, occasionally overwhelming place. Far from being a hallway of dusty exhibits, it constantly re-examines the morality of war and peace, and our changing relationship to it.
Portobello Road Market
Portobello Road has everything from food stalls to vintage clothing, records to antiques. You don’t even have to buy anything, just enjoy the brightly colored houses and wonderful atmosphere. Take a camera and snap away.
Hyde Park
When a park is a home to a few Princes and a Duchess or two, you know it’s going to be good. As well as green spaces abundant enough to dodge the crowds, you’ll find historic monuments to explore, fountains to both splash about in and admire, myriad art installations, and free exhibitions at the Serpentine Gallery a short walk away from its namesake lake. Now that’s a walk in the park
Sky Garden
If a trip up to the stunning viewing gallery of one of London’s tallest buildings sounds like a pocket drainer, think again. Situated inside a glass oasis at the top of the “Walkie Talkie”, Sky Garden is London’s highest public garden, filled with greenery and boasting panoramic views of the capital. It’s totally free to head up there, but you’ll need to book in advance.
Abbey Road zebra crossing
Half a century after The Beatles took that iconic photo walking over the zebra crossing outside Abbey Road studios, people are still trying to recreate it. It’s not wise to attempt to emulate the photo entirely — to get the exact shot, you would need to stand in the middle of a pretty busy road, you see. But you can stand on the pavement and get an almost-as-good picture for the ‘gram. Once you’re done re-staging rock history, there’s a gift shop to visit and a graffiti wall that you can leave your own message on. There’s even a camera filming the crossing, streaming the footage live on the internet. Check the website after your visit and rewind back to the time you were there, to catch a glimpse of yourself on the famous white lines.
House of Parliament
You’ll have to pay to take a tour of the Houses of Parliament, but there are other ways to get in if you just want to look around. Debates in the Commons or Lords have public viewing galleries, which you can queue up for on the day, and you can stay for as long as you like. You can also request tours or a free ticket from your MP but these are very limited. Expect airport-style security, so no sharps or liquids.
Walking around Southbank
Art, culture, indie bookstalls, Instagrammable views and an endless supply of booze and street eats: the Southbank is unquestionable, the BEST place for you and your mates to hang out in London. Period. If you go at night, our advice is simple, grab a bike (or just use your legs) and whizz down Embankment all the way down to Tower Bridge. It’s the quintessential free sightseeing London experience
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